Sociology Courses

104. Introduction to Sociology (3) (Social Science).

The patterns of relationships among individuals, groups, organizations and social institutions in society. Students are introduced to different sociological perspectives and methodologies used in understanding social life.

201. Social Problems (3).

The nature, causes and attempted solutions to various American social problems are examined; these may include deviance, poverty, family violence, various forms of discrimination, health issues and environmental hazards.

202. Sociology of Sex and Gender (3).

A sociological analysis of gender construction and sexual inequality, including an introduction to general historical knowledge about men’s and women’s lives, social forces affecting reproduction, sexuality, intimacy, parenthood and gender role patterns.

303. Race and Ethnic Relations (3).

A sociological analysis of the concepts of race and ethnicity both in the United States and around the world. Special emphasis placed on relationships between ethnic groups and solutions to problems associated with race and ethnicity.

305. Social Research Methods (3).

The logic and skills involved in doing social research, including examination of the assumptions, procedures and problems associated with historical/ documentary, field work, survey and experimental research; and use of the computer in social research, including statistical packages.

307. Marriage and the Family (3).

Topics include the development of marriage and the family in their various forms up to the present; consideration of contemporary marriage patterns and relationships; family disorganization and reorganization; and the effects of social change on marriage and the family.

308. Sex Discrimination and Violence Against Women (3).

Explores how legal and social institutions handle issues of sex and gender-based discrimination and violence. These issues include: sexual assault and exploitation, domestic violence, equal opportunity in the workplace and sexual harassment. Examines effects of patriarchy, prejudice and sex and gender stereotyping.

309. Urban Sociology (3).

Topics include types of communities; factors influencing urban growth and development in world regions and in the U.S.; demographic trends and ecological factors; urban planning and redevelopment; community agencies and services; social problems associated with urban life; and forms of interaction emanating from urban structures.

311. Class, Status and Power (3).

Who gets what and why? An examination of social class, the social conditions which lead to class formation, class- related behavior, social class through the life cycle and the historical basis of stratification, particularly in the United States.

350. Selected Topics in Sociology (2-4).

Examination of a particular topic of current interest to faculty and students. Topics which may be considered include: applied sociology, conflict management, crime and gender, crime prevention, sexual deviance, terrorism violence, the sociology of culture, of film, of the media. May be repeated with a different topic.

402. Sociological Theory (4).

Discussion of classical and contemporary sociological theories, with an emphasis of historical context of their origins, their contributions to sociological knowledge and application in today’s society.

405. Critical Theory of Society (3).

This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine how legal, political and social institutions function within society. It gives special emphasis to the roles class, authority, and ideology play within these systems.

407. Capstone: Senior Research (3).

A critical, in-depth study of selected topics from the various fields of sociology, criminal justice and human services. Each participant will write and present a formal research paper.